A Decision is Made

I have decided to do my action research plan on how daily physical activity impacts student learning. I will be comparing our elementary schools 3rd grade Fitness gram scores against their TAKS scores from 2008-2010. I will also compare our running program totals for 3rd grade to their Fitness Gram scores. I will also compare feeder pattern schools Fitness Gram results to ours. Schools within our feeder pattern are not the same. We do not offer the same programs, receive the same funds, have the same facilities, equipment, nor see our students the same amount in physical education. I love teaching physical education and providing as many opportunities for activity as possible. We have two recess carts filled with equipment so students can be as active as they want to be. Students are encouraged to participate in daily recess but due to the strains of TAKS accountability, students are being pulled from recess and physical education class. I want to see how these changes have affected our Fitness Gram scores and how the scores compare to TAKS. If students are struggling physically are they struggling academically as well? I will be sharing articles such as Blaydes, J., Advocacy: A Case for Daily Quality PE, TEPE Journal (2001). and Jump Rope as Perfect Exercise for Brain (http://abllab.com/feature/jump-rope-as-perfect-exercise-for-brain/. I will keep you posted as the journey begins. Busy, busy, busy.